America.gov-Europe and Eurasia

United States, Russia Close to New Arms Control Treaty

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 15:03:15 -0500

President Obama held consultations with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on the sidelines of the 17th annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Singapore, and their talks focused on two areas: a new arms control treaty and what to do about efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

U.S.-Supported Training Offers Tools to Protect Moldovan Children

Bridget Hunter — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:38:35 -0500

The American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative, with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development, is partnering with the National Center for Child Abuse Prevention of Moldova to provide legal assistance to child abuse victims in Moldova.

In Divided High School, Students Find Ways to Interact

Michelle Austein Brooks — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:04:43 -0500

Bosniak and Croat students in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Stolac High School do not take classes together even though they learn under the same roof. But they are learning to work with one another, thanks to the help of some international organizations and the son of a civil rights hero.

U.S., Germany Call for Greater Accountability in Afghanistan

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:04:59 -0500

The United States and Germany called on Afghan President Hamid Karzai to implement measures to deliver services for the people of Afghanistan, root out corruption, and increase accountability and openness in the way the government works.

Helsinki Treaty Spurred Fall of Berlin Wall, End of Communism

Jim Fisher-Thompson — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:08:52 -0500

The countries of the former Eastern Bloc can now hope to resolve political and economic challenges democratically, thanks in part to the Helsinki Process, which not only led to the fall of communism, but enshrined the principle of human rights as a diplomatic tool of engagement.

Fall of Berlin Wall Had Impact on African Continent

Scott Bobb — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:23:52 -0500

The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the beginning of changes not only in Europe, but also in Africa. Voice of America correspondent Scott Bobb talks to Moeletsi Mbeki, the deputy chairman of the South African Institute for International Affairs.

Obama Welcomes Germany’s Merkel Ahead of Berlin Wall Anniversary

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:51:47 -0500

Nearly 20 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, President Obama welcomes East German-born Angela Merkel to Washington. Merkel becomes the first German chancellor in 40 years to address both houses of the U.S. Congress, where she urges greater cooperation to “tear down the walls of today.”

Children Adopted from Russia Explore their Roots

Jaroslaw Anders — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:24:03 -0500

When Barbara Blackwell of Pennsylvania adopted two girls from Russia, she looked for information to share with them about their native country. Now 11 and 13, the girls study Russian and “are very proud,” she says. The Blackwells’ experience is becoming the norm among adoptive families.

With New Services, Bosnian Towns Learn About Accountability

Michelle Austein Brooks — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:05:41 -0500

Citizens service centers, one-stop shops that serve the majority of citizens’ needs, have made life easier for citizens and government employees throughout Bosnia-Herzegovina. Such centers not only have changed the way towns provide services, but also how government employees interact with citizens.

Theater, Film Help Bosnians Cope with Past, Address Diversity

Michelle Austein Brooks — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 19:43:08 -0500

War and conflict are harrowing, “but also very inspiring for arts, especially for filmmaking,” says Elma Tataragić, who helped launch a film festival as Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, was under siege in 1995. The Sarajevo Film Festival now attracts more than 100,000 attendees.

Czech Republic to Participate in European Missile Defense Plan

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:44:20 -0500

The prime minister of the Czech Republic says his nation is prepared to participate in a newly proposed, U.S.-developed missile defense system in Europe. Czech Prime Minister Jan Fischer pledged support following his meeting with U.S. Vice President Biden in Prague.

Biden on America, Central Europe, and Partnership in 21st Century

Amor Safi — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:17:36 -0500

Vice President Biden speaks to students at Central University Library in Bucharest, Romania, on America, Central Europe, and a partnership for the 21st century.

Biden Praises Central Europe’s Democratic Advances

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:54:43 -0500

Vice President Biden praises the courage of the people of Central Europe for taking world history in the 20th century and willing it in a new direction toward freedom, justice and fairness. Biden spoke in Romania, on the second stop of a three-nation trip to Eastern Europe.

Missile Defense Plan Designed to Meet Growing Threat to Europe

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:06:41 -0500

The new phased missile defense plan President Obama has proposed for Europe is designed to meet a growing threat not only to the United States, but also to allies, Vice President Biden said October 21 in Warsaw, Poland.

Oracle Corporation Boosts Skills of Romanian Teachers, Students

Phil Kurata — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:27:24 -0500

Oracle Corporation, the world’s largest business-software company, through its teacher-training program is helping Romania develop business and technology skills needed to compete internationally. Oracle Romania is a finalist for the U.S. secretary of state’s 2009 Award for Corporate Excellence.

By Starting a Bakery, then a Nonprofit, Kosovo Woman Helps Many

Michelle Austein Brooks — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:58:36 -0500

Through her nongovernmental organization NGO Lady, Sanija Murati helps women in Kosovo find jobs and start their own businesses. Murati, who started a small pastry shop that has now expanded into a bakery and café, says she tells women, “If I could do it … you could do it.”

Biden to Visit Poland, Romania and Czech Republic

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:26:37 -0500

Vice President Biden will travel to Poland, Romania and the Czech Republic to discuss a range of issues at a critical time for East European nations that are transitioning from local agendas to a broader global security environment, Biden’s senior national security adviser says.

Clinton Optimistic About Russian Support on Iran, Missile Defense

Jaroslaw Anders — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:13:29 -0500

Secretary Clinton says the United State and Russia are committed to work together toward a non-nuclear Iran and that the Obama administration is making progress on persuading the Russian government to join with the United States in a global missile defense architecture.

World Trade Body Membership Tops U.S. Trade Agenda for Russia

Kathryn McConnell — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:54:57 -0500

Seeing Russia join the World Trade Organization tops the U.S. trade agenda for Russia, but Russia’s decision to make a joint bid for membership with Belarus and Kazakhstan has raised questions, says Betsy Hafner, director for Russia and Eurasia at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

Clinton: China, Russia Trade Pacts Show Economic Interdependence

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:36:16 -0500

Trade agreements recently announced between China and Russia, including a mammoth natural gas arrangement, illustrate a world of greater economic interdependence and interconnectedness, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says in a recent Moscow interview.

New York Celebrates 400th Anniversary of Hudson’s Voyage

Ralph Dannheisser — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:45:00 -0500

When Henry Hudson in 1609 sailed into the harbor destined to become the site of New York City, he blazed a trail for millions of immigrants who would help New York to become hub of finance and fashion, politics, advertising and the arts.

Murderers of Russian Journalists Must Face Justice, Clinton Says

Stephen Kaufman — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:40:29 -0500

Secretary Clinton says only one of 18 murders of Russian journalists since 2000 has resulted in a conviction of the killers, and the failure to punish the perpetrators is a threat to Russian society and the rule of law. Speaking in Moscow, she says democracy promotes both stability and prosperity.

Music Helps Kosovo Youth Learn About Their Similarities

Michelle Austein Brooks — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:34:00 -0500

Mitrovica, Kosovo, once was referred to as the Balkans’ rock music capital before years of ethnic conflict. Two nongovernmental organizations have been working to bring that title back to the city and foster interaction and mutual understanding between Serb and Albanian youth.

United States, Russia Making Progress on Arms Reduction Treaty

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:24:43 -0500

The United States and Russia are making progress in replacing a current treaty for reducing nuclear arsenals with one that goes further in physically reducing arsenals and also perceived tensions over nuclear weapons, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says.

Clinton Praises Role of Peace in Northern Ireland’s Prosperity

Stephen Kaufman — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:19:10 -0500

Northern Ireland’s economic success since the ceasefires of the 1990s and the signing of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement demonstrates how peaceful reconciliation and compromise between rival communities can bring greater prosperity to all, Secretary of State Clinton tells lawmakers in Belfast.

Remarks by Secretary Clinton and Ireland Prime Minister Cowen

Janelle Simmons — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 11:35:53 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Ireland Prime Minister Brian Cowen make remarks in Dublin, Ireland.

Clinton to Witness Historic Agreement Between Turkey and Armenia

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:18:13 -0500

Secretary Clinton is traveling to Zurich to witness and show support for the signing of a historic agreement between Turkey and Armenia as part of her October 9–15 trip to Europe. The two governments have agreed to establish diplomatic ties and open their shared border.

Kosovo Town Celebrates New School

Michelle Austein Brooks — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:43:26 -0500

Community involvement is an important aspect of education, Patricia Rader, director of the U.S. Agency for International Devlopment’s Kosovo mission, tells the town of Cikatove e Vjeter, Kosovo, during its celebration of the opening of a new primary school.

On and Off the Court, Balkan Athletes Learn Conflict Resolution

Michelle Austein Brooks — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:37:16 -0500

Although their countries used to be part of one nation, teenagers from Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Slovenia and Kosovo do not typically interact much with one another. But their shared interests — including enthusiasm for basketball are helping bridge differences.

German Factory Brings Big Hopes to Serbian Town

Michelle Austein Brooks — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:42:00 -0500

Thanks to a good business strategy, the Serbian town of Prokuplje convinced a German car-parts company to open a local factory, bringing new jobs to a region with high unemployment. Since 2002, the town has received help from the United States Agency for International Development and its partners.

Serbian Foods Find International Markets

Michelle Austein Brooks — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:54:40 -0500

Biotrend Donato, a small, family-owned company, has built a business by making prepackaged salads, dressings and vegetable-based sauces for sale in Serbia. Now, the U.S. Agency for International Development is helping it and others market products internationally.

Obama, Rasmussen Consult on Afghanistan Strategy

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:37:57 -0500

President Obama and new NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen agreed at a White House meeting that the important thing to do in Afghanistan is first determine the best strategic approach, and then develop the resources to support it.

Through Changing Times, Belgrade’s Art Endures

Michelle Austein Brooks — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:11:57 -0500

Throughout its history, Belgrade’s youth cultural center, Dom Omladine, has been a place for people to discuss different ideas freely. Today, the center, home to more than 1,000 events each year, is still a place where people from different backgrounds, and with different ideas, are welcome.

Serbian, Montenegrin Youth Learn Civic Activism, Reconciliation

Michelle Austein Brooks — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:56:41 -0500

Serbian and Montenegrin secondary school and college-age students donned yellow rubber gloves and headed to the wooded banks of the Danube River September 23, not just to pick up trash but to highlight the importance of civic activism and building interethnic relations.

U.S. and Russian Poets of Freedom Hailed in Moscow and Washington

Carlos Aranaga — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:27:15 -0500

A new statue in Moscow of 19th-century American poet Walt Whitman culminates a 10-year effort to honor poetry and freedom in a memorial at Moscow State University and at a monument to 19th-century Russian poet Alexander Pushkin at George Washington University in the U.S. capital.

Congressional Complexities Challenge Climate Change Efforts

Carlyn Reichel — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:39:15 -0500

While President Obama pledged a U.S. commitment to lead the campaign against the dangers of climate change through global partnerships, a complicating factor confronting such sweeping international efforts is the need to obtain approval from sometimes reluctant national legislatures.

Weapons Talks Spur New Cooperation Between U.S., Russia

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:20:55 -0500

As the two major nuclear superpowers, the United States and Russia have made a substantial commitment to reduce their nuclear stockpiles and President Obama says after meeting with Russian President Medvedev that an agreement on further reductions is achievable by the end of 2009.

U.S., Russia to Share Warning Data on Missile, Space Launches

Carlos Aranaga — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:19:40 -0500

Talks are again under way toward the goal of implementing the long-awaited Joint Data Exchange Center, agreed to by the U.S. and Russian presidents a decade ago, to mitigate the chances of inadvertent retaliatory military strikes arising from misinterpreted data from early warning systems.

Clinton Urges Patience from Georgia over Breakaway Regions

Merle David Kellerhals Jr. — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:14:13 -0500

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton urges Georgia to exhibit strategic patience in resolving issues over its two breakaway regions — South Ossetia and Abkhazia — and Russian occupation of those regions. Clinton met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili September 21 in New York.

U.S.-Russian Military-to-Military Links Set to Expand

Carlos Aranaga — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:22:11 -0500

U.S.-Russian military-to-military exchanges, suspended since the August 2008 Georgian conflict, have resumed after the signing in July of a new cooperative framework between the U.S. chairman of the Joints Chief of Staff and Russia’s chief of the General Staff.

Obama Announces New Plan to Defend Europe from Iranian Missiles

Stephen Kaufman — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:10:48 -0500

After a comprehensive review of U.S. missile defense proposals for Europe, President Obama announces a new defense plan based on updated intelligence and technological advances that will protect European countries from the threat posed by Iran’s short- and medium-range ballistic missile programs.

Paths to 1989

Anthony Crews — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:09:13 -0500

History professor and author Fritz Stern reflects on the fall of the Berlin Wall. According to Stern, the emergence of political and spiritual leaders and the concurrent massing of brave protesters was perhaps historically unprecedented, and ultimately affirmed the triumph of Western ideals.

Knowledge Centers Could Help Regions Cope with Climate Change

Cheryl Pellerin — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:24:33 -0500

Carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by human activities is causing changes in Earth’s surface temperature, rainfall and sea level. A system of regional centers could act as knowledge portals for those making decisions on responses to changes.

Obama Makes Climate Change a National Priority

Cheryl Pellerin — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:28:21 -0500

Climate change is a planetary process, but its effects are regional and local. Some of those effects already are occurring, and the Obama administration is moving fast to help the United States work with nations of the world to meet immediate problems as well as long-term challenges.